“Many literary scholars consider Walt Whitman [the United States of America]’s most influential poet. Widely referred to as the father of free verse, he liberated poetry from rhyme and meter, opening it up to the flexible rhythms of feeling and voice. The works collected in Leaves of Grass pay homage to the freedom and dignity of the individual while celebrating democracy and the brotherhood of man, even though early critics condemned his references to same-sex love as being obscene.
Peter Doyle was a 21-year-old conductor on a horse-drawn streetcar when he and Whitman, who was at the time, began their romantic relationship. During their quarter-century marriage, Doyle became Whitman’s muse…
Despite the men being attracted to each other, family circumstances kept them from living together. Whitman repeatedly told his young partner that he wanted them to set up housekeeping as a couple, but Doyle insisted that it was his duty, as the oldest unmarried son, to live with and care for his widowed mother. And so, Whitman had to be satisfied with spending most nights with Doyle, either at a hotel or at the poet’s rooming house, while the two maintained separate residences.”
recently I read this incredible short story in an antology set in distinct neighborhoods/locations in Nairobi (Nairobi Noir edited by Peter Kimani). Number Sita by Kevin Mwachiro describes a coming of age for a boy growing up in Nairobi–an intimate portrayal of masculinity and sexuality in the urban space of Kilimani, the neighborhood where the narrator has grown up that is now falling prey to gentrification, as well as his past relationship to a lesbian character in his neighborhood that taught him and his friends how to relate to women’s pleasure. the queerness is subtle in what is otherwise a straight male narrator voice, just a glimpse into gender and vulnerability in the context of modern Nairobi.
Kevin Mwachiro is a gay Kenyan author and runs the podcast Nipe Story (Tell Me a Story), where he shares Kenyan/other African short stories in audio format. definitely check them out!
IRL Ritsuka took a candid pic of IRL Haruki asleep on IRL Akihiko’s shoulder. Just the look on that man’s face! Just suspend reality for a second; Akihiko at the moment he opens his eyes, and realizes someone’s taking pics of him and Haruki…but then realizes it’s Ritsuka
Kawakami is suuuuch an Aries! But if you’ve ever seen the guy speak for more than 3mins, you know he has a soft, gentle charm about him, and charisma for days!
Sunaga is just a beaming, giggling ray of sunshine, poppin from one snarky prompt to the next; the boy knows how to sell you! While his not so subtle, almost cringeworthy but it’s too sincere, crushing over Miyauchi Iori has been a thing of wonder, throughout pre and post production; his IRL admiration and friendship with Kawakami has been a source of sheer joy for Given fans.
While Funaki and Miyauchi hammed it up pretty damn good, during production; Kawakami and Sunaga have continued to feed the gvntwt moe in really sweet spoonfuls. Often posting twinning pics or call and response banter. Stuff like this; just kinda in the know for the fans. Sunaga plugs the live production and its merch like a personal mission He’s all in! And I love that so much, as a Given fan, and as an Arts Science major. The IDEA of falling asleep on Akihiko’s shoulder, and it was Ritsuka who caught the pic. But idt it was staged, like usual. It’s just magic!
Also. Just read the thread back and forth between Shibuki and Sunaga ah hahahaha!! But what I love the most about their off stage comeraderie, is not the allusions to the characters they played, so much as just the comeraderie itself. Guys being accommodating and sweet to eachother, because that should be an aspiration damn it, and esspecially when they’re two very different and very dominant personalities. They still make space for one another.
Never have I witnessed a more fragile specimen than a conservative with power. Embarrassing.
Absolutely disgusting
Ah haha!! As I make it my purpose in life to be Tumblr’s gay simp fairy ♂️ and spread Franjean’s LGBTQIA+ Dust of Broken Hearts all over the damn place through queer representation in the arts and literature *ahhh le sigh* I take this as a personal challenge!! Game on!! I will be photo dumping and posting simp worthy gayness for the rest of the day ❤ You can thank me later I will be the card catalog and micro phish extraordinaire!
Ah If you want to be spiffy like the boys in Given ❤ Here’s the info ->
The necklaces they’re all wearing are sold on
Noitamina Apparel
BUT!! They already sold out of all of them except for Ritsuka’s!! …
They’re the same company that makes the licensed Given shoes ($220usd) with the character quotes. They’ve had the necklaces ($60usd) for months now; but it LOOKS like they sold out after the live stage cast were posting pics, wearing similar, custom guitar picks.
The Noitamina necklaces are actually a little studier looking, and come with natural gem stones; like the bracelets, which corresponds to the color coding for the characters ❤
The site offers international payment services and shipping; but there really isn’t a translate option. The quotes on the shoes though, do seem to come in English, by default.
If you do wanna grab any of the merch pictured above; it’s better to buy directly from them. Even without translations; it’s easy to determine which characters’ item is which, due to the color coding. If you buy from a 3rd party; you’re gonna pay A LOT more. IE the Given anime character pom pom ita bag charms, you see for like $80usd; if you buy them off the actual site, they’re $14usd->
Still, everything is insanely expensive but appears to be high quality, and they’re also the same company that makes the Given colognes anime colognes are just so funny to me…
They claim on their site; to work directly with Kizu Natsuki themselves, Shinshokan (Kizu’s publisher) and The Given Production Committee.
And on the the cologne descriptions…it says Kizu oversaw the design of each scent… ah hahaha!!
To all my MHA stanz…remember what it was like when people realized Bakugo would smell like caramel, because of his nitro glycerin esque sweat …well he’d actually smell like icing and charcoal, if you wanna get technical about it. Just sayin since his quirk is basically the same reaction as a nitrous funny car engine (it’s a dragster oh you didn’t know he’s like a race car?? I wrote the fic on it) Bath and Body Works makes a scent called Bon Fire Bash, that smells just like an NHRA track…but in a good way…if you’re interested
Ever wanted to know what Kizu thinks Akihiko would smell like???? Well now you will I decided to translate the descriptions
“Woodsy musk” and…“spy” ???
I’m guessing the note de tete is Byakudan, which is a long standing, popular sandalwood scent; worn by men in Japan for idk at least a thousand years It has the “woodsy musk” smell of “white wood”, but also a clean, cool herbal mid note (“spy”??) AKIHIKO SMELLS OF “SPY” ?
“Jasmine musk”
Haruki’s is actually really cool❣ The description literally refers to it as “genderless”!! Jasmine musk, or “jasumin” is a classic; nowadays worn more so by feminine presenting persons, but around the world, it’s considered a neutral scent. It’s a sunny, sweet note de tete; with mid notes reminiscent of those cool spring breezes, when you first start to notice the smell of flowers in the air. Kudos to Kizu for not making him smell like Patchouli I mean I love patchouli; but it shows a little more thought went into these, than just making him smell like a damn hippie!
Clean soap and greens" ❤
I’m thinking it’s an herbal smell??? Maybe lavender? Vetiver? Palm? Idk I could be way off, but it gave no other description.
“Cedron”
That’s a floral smelling, sweet tasting lemon. Ah haha!! Ritsuka’s a sour puss!!
Ue San so maaad!!!
“Lira, warm musk, and lily”
This one actually sounds amazing! Lira is a sweet amber scent; traditionally worn by women. I never thought of lily and Lira together, but it might be worth the $70 price tag. The site says it’s note de tete, is that of “a rainy night”, and that the mid notes are reminiscent of the smell of a violin…which does have a very unique smell due to rosin dust (I played one for years) Any ways!! “Lira” is like all the sexy, sweet smells put together into an oil:
Vanilla/Lavender/Anise/Bergamot /Creme de limon/Orange blossom /Blood orange/Jasmine/Sandalwood
Like just throw every aphrodisiac into a vial, and spray yourself into a pheromone frenzy…what was Kizu trying to get at!?
The Trifle Entertainment Luxury Edition Bonus Blue Ray/DVD package; comes with everything pictured above:
Blue Ray/DVD of the Given live stage theater performance, with bonus and behind the scenes footage (rumored to include the casts’ post production onsen vacay)
Photo book of cast, production, and behind the scenes stills
Mini Given vinyl record decoration
Mini Given amp and pedal art cloth
*Keep in mind; outside of region, you’ll need a region free blue ray player, to watch the discs. Pre orders are closed, but this should be available again in April 2022.
There’s so much to share!! And I know I’m a day behind, but I lost a day watching Funaki’s play It was well worth it! I’m still absorbing all the thought provoking feels and antics The encore performance got a standing ovation!! I’ll do separate posts for each of the Given live stage cast members, and he’ll be one of them.
BUT FIRST!! ->
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SATO MAFUYU !!
yeah yeah…it was yesterday, in Japan…but I get to be fashionable (late) since I’m a Pisces, too. Plus !! Western-Hemi Otaku’s just get to celebrate everything twice So there!
See Kizu’s ok widit!!
They put up this adorable piece, for our best boy’s BDay and why do I feel like it’s a lil shout out to Sunaga Futa…? If you follow him you get it
K if you don’t follow him….whyyyy? He’s a huge fan boy, and doesn’t that just make you feel warm and fuzzy!? HE’S ONE OF US!! Saying he’s really into Pokémon, is an understatement. Like that might be the only thing he’s into more than Given….and maybe…
Miyauchi Iori
^^^This needs a lil explanation…but I think Miyauchi has accepted it, so it’s ok We’ll get to that later
Seriously though! Sunaga just kills me!! With his long posts, and his shutter bug creepin, and his tear stained eyes!! We would be besties 100%
Half of the personal battle, that’s kept me away; has been won ❤ so I have fortitude to do what I love, and gush over all the incredible talent from Kizu Natsuki’s Given live stage event
So excited for all of them! Sunaga is just beaming!! Of course he’s back at it, taking pics of EVERYTHING & EVERYONE!! Miyauchi Iori (Hiiragi) of Bancho Boys, and Ken Funaki, Takeru (Shizusumi) of NORD; have live theatrical performances of their own this evening, so they’re not attending, but they’re doing what they love!! I’ve been invited to watch Funaki’s play tonight, so super excited, and I’ll tell everyone about it!!
All of the cast has so many incredible things they’re up to, outside of Given.
They wrapped up two performances yesterday, and will do two more tonight ❤ It’s bitter sweet that the Given live experience is coming to an end, but please follow these awesome talents, so you can help them grow!! For instance; I think Sunaga has had a recent change in management, so it’s important for them to have fans that follow him, moving forward. Obviously the Given cast members are interested, and even some are passionate, about supporting LGBTQIA+ representation throrough the arts. So please support them, in return <3
In regards to the live “Given Encore Event” this is in response to the heartfelt reception, and demand of the audiences! Your support makes these things happen, for these actors, ya know!!
The first half of the performance is a live screening with commentary, of the filmed production followed by QA from cast AND crew. Then a mini “Given” concert; with the cast performing the music of Centimillimental !! The Blue-Ray / DVD of the live stage performances last holiday season; is available through this weekend, for purchase from Trifle Entertainment
Please see the information on the Given Live Stage Twitter!! This is what they are screening at the two day event, last night and tonight. Bonus footage will also include the cast’s celebratory production-wrap trip, together. Aswell as some pretty cool swag; if you purchase the Deluxe Luxury Edition!! It’s runs for about $150usd after fees and shipping.
Sayato Arima (Mafuyu) of WHiSANT
Shibuki Ryo (Ritsuka) of Anivel
Kawakami Shota (Akihiko) from Touken Ranbu Live and the film “Connection” will be in the upcoming 2.5D live stage production of Paradox Live, as Masakuni Zen
Sunaga Futa (Haruki) from 2.5D Bat Rhythm Live
There is honestly soooo much to share (thanks Sunaga you doll!!) I’ll post for each cast member separately ❤
I’m still alive ❤ ask me how things are in 1 week.
Wanted to check in and let you all know I’m ok; things will hopefully be better next month.
There isnt a lot going on right now; Given live stage related. They’ve kept everything pretty low key From what it sounds like; the two day live event, later this week, may be a screening of the previous performances, with commentary by the cast ??? No one has really posted much.
But there will definitely be music->
Look at Shibuki!! All taking the lead❤
His new management is putting out cool stuff ->
Oh and you know I gotta say sumthin…
Sayato Arima found an actual munchkin cat!!
AH HAHA HAHA
The Given cat headcanons continue
Yesterday was 2-22-22 on a TUESday!! It’s our turn in the western hemisphere today; Happy Neko no Hi!!
Idk…if Ritsuka starts showing up like that; Mafuyu might take pics of him, instead!?
Sorry…sorry. I can’t help it !!
Kawakami Shota in the background all *flex*
This is how it’s done
I’m sooooory!! I just can’t, like he looks like a real life Aki anyways. But how the hell they concentrate with him in the room!? I will never get over him in Touken Ranbu
Ok I’m still in a world of shit right now I’m so sorry but if any one wants to contribute, please contact me here. This blog will still be dormant for a little while, but it’s important to me that I post this for you guys->
Kizu Natsuki’s Given live stage cast updates !!
LOOK WHAT SUNAGA JUST POSTED!!
He is so fn dorbs with the corresponding hearts’ colors over their instruments He’s such a doll !
The 2 day Given live stage production starts next week They all did another simultaneous post attack ❤ and all of them put up this pic!!
Takeru “Ken” Funaki won’t be there with them
Poor Shizu gets left outta every thing, I swear!
But Funaki’s living his best life->
His play D-river was well received, opening day in Osaka ❤ And NORDs album N The Very Best; hit stores throughout Japan!!
Miyauchi WILL be at the event, though. His theatrical group; Bancho Boys is also performing Run Away Don’t Run Away. Annnd his photos were published in Bamboo’s White Shirt Boys photo exhibition->
Hahaha!! He soooo shy!! But that’s him pointing to his picture Idunno who that is in the photo on the right but *credit*
HEY FAM ❤ I’m sorry but I have to take a break from this blog for a little while. I have serious financial and health issues going on. Every single one of you that has reached out over the last six months; I consider a true life friendo ❤ I really do. I call you all fam, cuz if you’ve never seen me mention it; I don’t have any family of my own. Take care of eachother. Be kind to people; you never know what they’re up against. And if you want to contribute to my work, or even just my wellbeing; contact me here. I’ll check msgs, and I’ll be back soon; but not for a little while. I have to take care of stupid, unfair life stuff.
Jeremy; A Voice Of My Own
Yes I’m crying, love you all ❤
Oh and NORD’s album officially dropped ❤ super happy for this dork
N Very Best you should go check them out!
Ken Funaki played Shizusumi in Kizu Natsuki’s live stage production of Given He’s an incredible dancer and has the voice of an angel !!
You’re really missing out on some funny and cool ish if you’re not following him just saying.
Sunaga Futa is super excited for the Given live stage 2 day event coming up ❤ Of course he is!! I’ve missed him
Also^^Nakagawa Taishi is my new fave person❤
Since I said before I’d write a review on some his movies, but won’t be able to now; I figured I should at least mention him, before I go.
He does a wickedly sexy Kibutsuji Muzan^^
Today’s Kira Kun was a million times better than the manga, for his performance! You should go watch that and ReLife!! Since they’re no longer on streaming services; you can find them in full length and decent quality, on YouTube
Current status til further notice so wish me luck…
Chinese emperor Ai of Han, fell in love with a minor official, a man named Dong Xian, and bestowed upon him great political power and a magnificent palace. Legend has it that one day while the two men were sleeping in the same bed, the emperor was roused from his sleep by pressing business. Dong Xian had fallen asleep across the emperor’s robe, but rather than awaken his peaceful lover, the Emperor cut his robe free at the sleeve. Thus “the passion of the cut sleeve” became a euphemism for same-sex love in China. — R.G.L.
get you a dude who will fuck up his own clothing for you
NO OKAY THIS IS REALLY COOL SO SHUT UP AND LISTEN KIDS. Ancient China was super chill about homosexuality okay. Like we have gay emperors and feudal lords, lesbian princesses who were girlfriends with their serving maids, gay ass poets who wrote lots of poems about that one courtesan who played the guzheng so well.
In fact homosexuality was so okay that in Shiji, which is basically the Bible of Ancient Chinese history, there is an entire section dedicated to the gay lovers of emperors. What’s the best part? All the laws and criticism about homosexuality in Ancient China were all about shit like prostitution and rape. These laws were outlawing homosexual stuff were all very specific.
For example, there were laws banning male prostitution, but no laws against homosexuality. These laws were passed to stop the spread of prostitution and laws targeting prostitution in general were pretty common in Chinese history. There were also really strict laws about male rape. Rape was punishable by death, regardless of the gender of the victim. Rape a girl, you die. Rape a guy, you die. Have sex with a minor, you die regardless of whether it was consensual. The lightest sentence you could get was slavery where you were bound to the army.
Also scholars wrote essays criticising the boyfriends of emperors, saying that they distracted the emperor from work blah blah blah but THEY ALSO DID THE SAME FOR THE CONCUBINES. That’s right - the issue wasn’t homosexuality but rather the hormones of the emperor. They didn’t care about the gender of the emperor’s favourite lover but rather the fact that the emperor was too horny to get shit done.
“But WAIT, Modern China is a hardass about homosexuality!!!! How do you explain that!”
Yes. That. That’s because of the late Qing years where Western influences entered the country and brought their gross ass homophobic attitudes with them. And the Qing government was so anxious to seem modern and be seen as equals to their Western counterparts. So they adopted Western ways and discarded their previous attitudes about homosexuality. Hence you have Modern China.
So the next time someone tries to tell you that being LGBT is wrong because it goes against traditional Chinese values, tell them to go fuck themselves with 3000 years of Chinese queerness.
SAME fn story with Japan. (Except they were typically cool with sex workers, esspecially MALES.) There were even whole scholarly texts dedicated to the blessed wonders of gay sex! Like how you gonna please your wife, if you don’t know your own body!? Best way to know how your boy works? Observe how another dude’s works with you, duh! Or visa versa for women. And this didn’t change until about 100 years ago. Like there are 100 year olds, still living. Crotchety ass white politicians ruin everything!
“Here Come the Women”, my retelling of Nick Joaquin’s “Summer Solstice”, is up. The site page includes insights on the piece and my workshop + a short essay on my writing journey.
Credit goes to my CL150 professor who made us critique texts in creative form, so the short story essentially follows the abundant criticism of Joaquin’s understandably outdated, binary-oriented feminism, but this time with a queer proposition.
“However you identify, be it lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, asexual, curious, or carrot, we all have something in common—we are a minority, and we have made brave steps to identify as such; we have refused to hide and made a declaration of who we are.”
“Maybe love was some combination of friendship and infatuation. A deeply felt affection accompanied by a certain sort of awe. And by gratitude. And by a desire for a lifetime of togetherness.”
“My little sister once came home from school when she was in the second grade and asked me, ‘What’s a sanctuary?’ I guess they had been reading about wildlife preserves or the Hunchback of Notre Dame or something.
And it’s funny because no one ever taught me this, and I can’t even remember thinking about it very much, but the answer came flying right out of my mouth, like it had been waiting there since time immemorial.
‘A sanctuary is a place where the door only locks from the inside.’ I looked her in the eyes as I said it, and I could see right away she understood.”
–Fierce Femmes and Notorious Liars: A Dangerous Trans Girl’s Confabulous Memoir, by Kai Cheng Thom
This book is bringing me so much joy. If you like unreliable narrators, tough femmes, radical resistance of oppressive forces, lipstick, and prose that reads like rough-around-the-edges poetry, this is your new guilty pleasure. Trust me.
